16th May, 2012
The Lagos State Government has sacked 16 officials of the Lagos Island Central Business District, CBD over corruption.
Special Adviser to the Governor on CBD, Mrs. Derin Disu disclosed this on Tuesday during a ministerial briefing in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
She said there had been complaints of extortion, molestation and assault by members of the public against some CBD officials which were promptly attended to.
“Suffice it to recall the case involving one motorist in September, 2011 which was published in a national daily and on facebook. The petitioner’s allegation was investigated by the management and was amicably resolved.
“Not minding the amicable resolution of the matter, the affected CBD operative was subjected to appropriate disciplinary measures.
“To ensure discipline and strict adherence with the rules governing the operation of the agency, the present administration after series of trainings, meetings and seminars geared at re-orientating and awakening a renewed sense of duty in the minds of staff, dismissed 16 officers whose actions undermined the objectives of the agency and compromised the public image of government. The action was meant to serve as deterrent to others,” she stated.
Disu also disclosed that the government planned to ban trading on Lagos Island on Sunday, adding that a bye-law had been passed by the Lagos Island Local Government to enforce the ban.
She identified this measure as part of the efforts to achieve a business and tourists’ friendly environment.
Disu explained that this was necessary because her agency observed that the gains made were being undermined by the unregulated presence of traders in the area throughout the week.
“Therefore, the agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice engaged the Lagos Island Local Government in discussion on methods of overcoming this challenge.
“Consequently, the Lagos Island Local Government has passed a bye law prohibiting market activities on Sunday in Lagos Island except in some designated areas. This legal instrument is titled: ‘The Lagos Island Trading on Sunday (Prohibition) Bye-Law 2012,’ she said.
Disu stated that the law allowed the agency a day during the week to clear waste, assess/repair infrastructure and prepare the area for the following week’s business activities, thereby achieving the state government’s mission of infrastructure renewal and development.
—Kazeem Ugbodaga